We have researched homeschooling in the past year and were astonished at its advantages; therefore, we are planning to homeschool (Seton) our 10- and 11-year-old daughters next year. Since birth, they have been in a private Catholic school (which has generally been a good experience for all--also it is all they have known), and I am trying to come up with ways to make their transition easier. Any suggestions about transitions?
Seton is Catholic curriculum, isn't it? Not Catholic, but I've heard it's a great curriculum! Try not to get into a "school at home" mindset. And often times the first year you need to "deprogram" your kids to some extent. Go slow, and don't worry if you don't accomplish as much as you would like. Enjoy having them home, and enjoy teaching them. And feel free to come here and ask. We're going through a rather "slow patch" right now, but if you ask, someone will respond! Good luck to you!
Jackie, Yes, you are right. Seton is a Catholic curriculum. I have heard lots of good things about it too, and since the kids will be going into high school soon, we decided on that one. I appreciate your comments about the "deprograming." I have been somewhat concerned about that--the enjoying part--because I'm a perfectionist (and enjoyed school myself), so tend to be too get too enthusiastic about education/learning. But I see from your many posts that you have "been around the block" before and appreciate your comments. Although I have heard that Seton is challenging, we are starting a few years before high school, so I will definitely take your advice and try to slow down and make it fun for all. Thanks again!
LOL!!! "Been around the block!" That's a good way to put it! There's not many still around here as long as I've been. Most have moved on. But I've just graduated my second; only one more to go. Phillip's 15, in 9th grade. A good kid, but let's just say a BOY is a lot different than GIRLS!!! My kids have been homeschooled from Day One, except for my oldest Rachael who we put in a public on-line school at the end of her Junior year so she could take classes for free at the local Community College. It was a great fit for her. My middle one just graduated. It's got me a bit nervous, because she's NOT her sister! And Phillip...well, we'll see!
It sound like you are planning on starting up in Sept. My advice is to start slowly, one subject at a time. Maybe start with Math and just do that for a week, then add in English or History...build up to your full course load. This will allow you to see how the curriculum works with the kids and some time to figure out a routine that works for your family. One big key to success is to be flexible. The curriculum does not run the show but you do. Curriculum is only a tool you use to help impart the knowledge to the kids. Feel free to change things, delete things or add things as you go along in the year. If you do not finish the curriculum that might be ok too, do some over the summer or depending on the subject just drop it. To be honest you will probably have some rough days especially in the beginning. Both you and the kids will be trying to feel your way around and that sometimes causes clashes or what my friends call Yellow Busy Envy days. Just remember tomorrow is a new day and it does get easier.
Do you have extended family living nearby? We did not, so we involved friends and neighbors instead. Personally, I think it helps when children realize at the outset that what they are doing brings them closer to family and friends, and that they can learn from/with them. Having a child write a biography of a grandparent, and present a little book to them at the end of a semester, for example, can be wonderful for everyone involved.
Thank you for all suggestions so far--I like them all and see the wisdom in avoiding "school at home," starting up slowly and in involving others. I very much appreciate the help of such seasoned people in creating our homeschool.
One other point: You should no longer feel constrained subject-wise. We spent a semester studying the life of Cornwall and the river that separates it from England. Children would join me in the office and learn to copy things, fax things, and learn how "work" is in real life. They'd also help with cooking, gardening, and other day-to-day activities. It was a nice way to find out their particular aptitudes, and they'd get excited at the thought of spending more time on subjects they enjoy.
